ASTM F1951-21 - 1.8.2021
 
Significance and Use

7.1?The purpose of this specification is to establish quantitative measurements for wheelchair work that are related to the firmness and stability of a surface material or surface system used as the accessible route and clear ground space at components within a playground.

7.2?The specification provides a uniform means of objectively quantifying the performance of different playground surfacing materials.

 
1. Scope

1.1?This specification establishes minimum characteristics for those factors that determine accessibility. This specification applies to all types of materials that can be used as the accessible route through the play area, under and around playground equipment.

1.2?The material used as the accessible route through the play area, under and around playground equipment that meets this specification must also comply with Specification F1292 or Test Method F3351, or both, if the surface is within the fall zone.

1.3?Surface systems in compliance with this specification will not prevent all types of injuries from occurring when the surface is used.

1.4?The SI unit of work is the joule (J), which is defined as the work expended by a force of one newton through a displacement of one meter. The dimensionally equivalent newton-meter (N*m) shall be used only if it is followed by the term work so it is not confused to be a torque value. (1 N*m = 0.73756215 pound-force-feet).

1.5?The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard; see IEEE/ASTM SI 10 for further details.

1.6?The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test method portions of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

US CPSC Publication No. 325

Handbook for Public Playground Safety (2010)

IEEE/ASTM SI 10

American National Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System

E177-26a

Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods (Includes all amendments and changes 5/14/2026).

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

F1292-22

Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment

Americans with Disabilities Act

Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities

F1487-25

Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use